Ch 117 - A Mission Beyond the Norm

The morning sun bathed Konoha in golden light as Team 7 made their way to the mission office.

The air buzzed with quiet anticipation, though for Naruto, it was more of a restless energy. He walked with his hands behind his head, his usual grin stretched across his face.

Sasuke followed with his usual stoic calm, his hands stuffed into his pockets. Sakura, bright-eyed and alert, walked in step with Kakashi, who, as always, seemed to be paying more attention to his little orange book than the world around him.

The tension in the air wasn't because of the mission itself. No. It was because Naruto was tired of the routine—of chasing cats, weeding gardens, and babysitting.

Today, he was hoping for something bigger. Something exciting. Something worthy of a true ninja.

And when they stepped into the mission office, that hope shone in his eyes.

The Third Hokage sat behind his desk, a stack of mission scrolls laid out before him. His wise eyes lifted as Team 7 entered. He gave a welcoming nod before picking up a scroll. His fingers unrolled it casually as he read aloud,

"This duty is about babysitting a boy..."

There was a pause. A thick, heavy pause.

Naruto's grin faded slightly, replaced by a twitch of irritation. He stepped forward, his voice loud and clear.

"Hey, old man! How about we get a real mission here?" He slapped his hand on the desk, a playful yet firm challenge in his eyes.

Kakashi's visible eye widened slightly. He was about to interject, already lifting his hand to gently pull Naruto back. "Naruto—"

But he paused.

Because deep down, Kakashi knew. Their team wasn't like the others. Despite their rank, their potential was undeniable. The strength they'd shown, the precision with which they carried out their tasks… maybe they were ready for more.

The Hokage chuckled softly, his gaze thoughtful as it shifted from Naruto to Kakashi. But before he could speak, Iruka stepped in, his face stern.

"Naruto!" Iruka's voice was sharp, reprimanding. "You've just started out as a Genin! Good scores in the academy don't give you the right to demand higher missions. You should focus on gaining more experience first!"

Naruto shot Iruka a playful grin, undeterred. "C'mon, Iruka-sensei. You know me better than anyone. I'm ready for more. We all are."

Iruka's stern expression faltered, just slightly.

Meanwhile, the Third Hokage was silent, stroking his beard thoughtfully. His sharp gaze moved back to Kakashi.

"Hatake Kakashi."

Kakashi straightened, his posture professional. "Yes, Lord Hokage?"

The Hokage's eyes lingered on him a moment longer. "Your team—Squad 7—has received high praise from recent clients. Your missions were carried out efficiently and without error. Right now, your team holds the highest ratings among the Genin squads."

Sakura's eyes widened slightly in surprise. Sasuke just gave a small smirk, though he remained silent.

Naruto, of course, looked as if he expected nothing less.

The Hokage smiled faintly. "So, I don't see a reason to turn Naruto's request down. There is an escort mission available. Though it will be more dangerous than what you've handled so far."

Just as he reached for the mission scroll, there was a sharp—

Knock! Knock! Knock!

The sound echoed through the room, drawing all eyes to the door.

"Come in," The Hokage called, his voice calm.

The door creaked open, and in stepped an old man, his figure slightly hunched. A worn hat rested on his head, a bottle dangling loosely in his hand. His eyes were sharp despite his age, though they squinted with scrutiny as they scanned the room.

And then they settled on Naruto.

"Whaaattt? Aren't they just a bunch of squirts?" the old man exclaimed, his voice thick with skepticism. His gaze narrowed, lips pursed as if he was judging every inch of them.

Naruto's grin didn't falter. In fact, it grew wider, though his sharp eyes gleamed with something deeper. Recognition.

Ah! It's this old man... Tazuna. If he is here then that means, it's time for that pair to appear...

Since this Naruto was not a loud, reckless kid anymore, Tazuna didn't tease him like in the canon.

Naruto carried himself with confidence and a strong reliable aura.

"I'm Tazuna, a veteran bridge builder," The old man introduced, his tone half-proud, half-grumbling. "For the next few months, I'm going to have you protect me as I return to my homeland and build a bridge."

The words fell heavy in the room.

Tazuna turned, not bothering to wait for a response, and strode towards the door.

The mission was clear. Protection. Escort. Potential danger.

Naruto glanced at his team, his grin never fading. "Well, sounds fun to me."

Without hesitation, Team 7 followed Tazuna out of the office, stepping into the sunlight once more.

The road outside the village stretched endlessly, a dirt path framed by green trees swaying in the breeze.

Tazuna walked ahead, his steps heavy and slow. Team 7 trailed behind, alert but casual.

But it didn't take long for Tazuna's eyes to drift back towards them, his gaze sharp and calculating.

"Hmph," He grumbled. "I still don't feel safe with a bunch of kids guarding me."

Sakura felt a tick mark pulse at her temple. She was ready to fire back. To defend her master... and her team. But she caught Naruto's calm gaze, his steady posture, and she swallowed her words.

If Naruto wasn't bothered, neither was she.

Instead, she forced a smile and decided to change the topic.

"Sensei!" She called brightly, glancing at Kakashi. "We're going to the Land of Waves, right? Are there any ninjas there?"

Kakashi, his single eye glancing up lazily from his book, replied, "No. Only hidden villages have ninjas. And they're led by the Kage—the strongest ninja in their respective villages."

Sakura nodded thoughtfully but blinked when Kakashi's eye glimmered.

"Sakura… did you just doubt the strength of the Third Hokage?"

The words struck her like lightning. Her face flushed, hands waving rapidly. "W-What? No! I would never!"

She shook her head from side to side. "I-I was just curious!"

Naruto chuckled, his grin sharp. "Careful, Sakura. Doubting the old man is like asking for bad luck."

Sasuke gave a quiet scoff, though there was a faint smirk tugging at his lips.

Tazuna, however, simply chuckled under his breath. "Well, if you kids can protect me, maybe I'll believe in your Hokage's strength a little more."

Naruto tilted his head, his grin turning a little sharper. "Don't worry, old man. You'll be safer than you think."

There was confidence in his voice. Not arrogance, but certainty. And for a brief moment, Tazuna paused, glancing at the blonde boy with a flicker of curiosity.

Maybe… just maybe, these kids weren't as weak as they looked.

And with that, the journey began.

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